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>> In camel terms, this one's quite the looker. And that's why it's here, taking part in Saudi Arabia's camel beauty contest. The competition is a part of an annual month-long camel festival. A traditional event that is being given more prominence as the Kingdom rapidly modernizes.>>

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> The camels on show here are being judged on the size of their lips, cheeks, heads, and knees, and competition is fierce.

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>> The camel is considered an old symbol of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It's a source of pride for the sons of the peninsula, in the past that represented food, clothing, and transportation. It represented everything.>>

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So fierce in fact that a dozen camels have been disqualified because their handlers used Botox to make them more attractive. But this event is not just about the appearance of the humble dromedary. Much is changing in Saudi Arabia. The country is getting it's first movie theaters, women will soon be allowed to drive, and the authorities are trying to end the economy's decade of dependence on oil.

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In order to smooth that transformative path, officials are keen to emphasize traditional aspect of Saudi culture. And that's why they've run top this event. It was moved last year from the remote desert to this purpose built venue on the outskirts of the capital Riyadh, complete with a heritage village and an auction where top camels can be sold for millions of rials.

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Organizers say the event will expand in the years ahead, an attempt to perhaps to avoid giving traditionalist the hump.